Have you ever wondered where the stories of Christmas come from? Are they rooted in our cherished family traditions? Surprisingly, many of the beloved customs surrounding this holiday were invented—yes, made up!

In her fascinating book, Christmas: A Biography, critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Judith Flanders dives deep into the history of Christmas, tracing its evolution from ancient festivals to the modern traditions we know today.

Did you know Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has Chicago roots? The iconic character was created by Robert L. May in 1939 as part of a promotional campaign for Montgomery Ward. “In the mid-20th century, Montgomery Ward—a major department store chain—distributed a children’s book as a holiday gift for customers,” Flanders explains. “It was the story of Rudolph, which we now know so well.”

But that’s not the end of the story. May’s brother-in-law, a songwriter, transformed the tale into the song we all love. “He wrote ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ and when Gene Autry recorded it, it became a massive hit, propelling the story to new heights,” Flanders adds.

Flanders highlights how Christmas has become “all things to all people.” It’s a religious festival, a family celebration, a time for feasting, drinking, and reflecting as the year comes to a close. Her book explores the myths, legends, and history of the holiday, from its Roman Empire origins to the rise of Christmas trees in Central Europe, and even the potential roots of Santa Claus in Switzerland.

One of the most surprising insights from Flanders’ research is the universal belief in the authenticity of individual traditions. “What enchanted me was this absolute conviction that everyone’s customs are the ‘real’ ones,” she shares. “Whether it’s the food, the decorations, or the rituals, people firmly believe their way is the true way. But you can rest assured—almost everything about Christmas is made up.”

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